Palantine? Yes, Palantine. The old-school Tampa indie-rock bruisers are back in the saddle. And while it’s been half a decade since the band’s last full length (the down-tuned, ultra-heavy Bruise Your Illusion, released in 2012), we’re still willing to bet that frontman Vinnie Cosentino has the boys — drummer Jeff Fox and bassist Brian David Johnson — in tip-top shape.
For proof, listen to a brand new EP, Bewildered States, below.
The three-song set of new tunes follows in the brutal footsteps of Bruise, but adds a new, almost poppy melodic touch to Palantine’s sound thanks to ear-searing songs like “Disaster” and “Last Chance.”
Read a Q&A with Palantine frontman Vinnie Cosentino, and get more information on the show, below as well.
Last year after Riddle of Steel you promised some new tunes — how long have you been writing for the EP?
I actually had these songs written and recorded prior to that Riddle show last year so I’ve been sitting on them for over a year now.
The three songs, especially the title track, seem to have a nice bit of melody on them. Some of it even sounds like pop in a way. Am I going crazy? If not, what's the idea behind that?
I don’t think you are crazy Ray. No matter what they say about you. No, yea, the title track is definitely a pop song. I wanted to see if I could capture the feel of a full length Palantine album in three songs. I wanted them cover everything from catchy, high energy rock jams to brain crushing heaviness. I’m happy with the final product.
Where did you record the songs?
My little home studio.
Tiny home studio?
Ha! Not yet but I was just looking at 3/4 scale guitars earlier today. Thinking ahead!
How collaborative was the recording and writing process? Still Brian and Jeff, right?
Palantine is still Brian, Jeff and I. The recording was not collaborative. I just kind of decided to see if I could crank out some Palantine songs one day. They came together pretty quickly so I just layered everything on my own. Brian and Jeff are killing it when we play live though. Picking right up where we left off.
Any plans for a physical release or headlining release show?
This release will probably be digital only and we have no plans to play anymore shows after this one. We really just want to play New World one more time since we used to have such great shows there back in the day.
